vinkodex.6 fault write-ups. 4 important. 11 recalls.
If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.
Before you buy
On cars built in 2017 and 2018 the front suspension mounting bolts were not tightened to the specified torque, and they can work loose over time. This affects the stability of the car, so it is safety critical. A recall covers it: tied to the VIN and free of charge.
What to check
The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models. Both have the same two weak points, and both depend on use.
The first is the differential bearing: as it wears you first get a droning, then a whine from the thrust bearings of the output shaft. Left alone, the planetary shaft can fail and in extreme cases punch through the gearbox casing: from then on it is not a repair but a replacement.
The second is the synchros: they can start crunching at around 50,000 km with aggressive driving. This type does not like dumping the clutch or slipping it, and on a used car that is exactly what you have to listen for.
What to check
The injector does not close fully, and with the engine standing fuel drips into the cylinder. The symptoms are hard, long cranking (mostly after standing for a while), smoky first minutes, a hesitant idle, and dilution of the engine oil: the oil level goes higher, it smells of petrol, and the diluted oil lubricates worse. It shows up on cars built between 2018 and 2020.
What to check
In the EA211 the water pump and the thermostat are one plastic module, and the pump is driven not by the timing belt but by a separate toothed belt behind the exhaust camshaft. There are usually two problems with it: the plastic housing warps or cracks (slow coolant loss, a sweet smell, rising temperature), or the drive belt ages (a chirping noise, then an engine left with no cooling). The housing is particularly sensitive if oil reaches it: for example from a leaking crankcase ventilation. The module has to be replaced whole: dismantling it warps it in itself.
What to check
The touchscreen system freezes, restarts on its own or does not respond. The stop-start can drop out as early as 15,000 km: the indicator stays lit and the engine does not stop. The parking sensors report a false obstacle, and the automatic light switch drops out. The driver's window stops because of a broken door wiring harness. The boot lock stops because washer fluid gets into the connector.
What to check
The per cylinder ignition coil of these direct injection, turbocharged petrol engines fails. According to the Haynes service material this and similar simple electrical faults account for roughly eighty per cent of workshop visits.
In cold, damp weather, on startup, the engine runs unevenly, misfires under acceleration, and the engine warning light flashes or stays on. Do not keep driving with the light flashing: the unburnt fuel destroys the catalytic converter.
What to check
vinkodex.Checklist
First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.
Before you buy
The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.
Most recent: 25 March 2020
A12/00625/20Safety recallInjuries25 March 2020 · EU Safety GateThe vacuum hose between the brake servo and the tandem pump might be defective. Consequently, engine oil may leak and damage the brake’s servo assistance, decreasing the brake efficiency and increasing the risk of accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 25/03/2020
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/1757/18Safety recallInjuries1 October 2018 · EU Safety GateIn the event of an impact the battery can get damaged, which leads to lack of power supply. If this occurs, it might not be possible to unlock the doors.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 01/10/2018
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/1206/17Safety recallInjuries7 August 2017 · EU Safety GateThe tightening torque on the steering column bolt may be incorrect, which may result in a failure of the steering system and loss of control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 07/08/2017
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/0962/17Safety recallFire29 June 2017 · EU Safety GateAn air-conditioning pipe may rupture in the event of a frontal collision. If this happens, the inflammable gas may escape which could lead to a fire.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2017
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/00901/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe double buckle for the safety belts can be defective. This will impair the safety belts' restraining effect, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/01640/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateA software error in the control unit for the instrument cluster may result in no visual or audible warning being given when passengers in the rear seat do not have their seatbelt fastened, increasing the risk of injuries in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/0588/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to incorrect setting, the handbrake may have to travel further to ensure immobilisation. As a result, the vehicle could roll, possibly leading to an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/1023/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe seat-belt buckles may open unexpectedly. There is therefore an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/1193/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe driver airbags may not inflate fast enough in the event of activation. As a result, sufficient protection is not guaranteed in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/1243/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateThe nuts of the gas pipes may not be sufficiently tigthened, causing a leak of gas. In the presence of an ignition source, the gas may ignite.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
SR/02845/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateIf the front passenger airbag is deployed as a result of an accident, the gas generator housing may burst or components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or fatal injuries to vehicle occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
Variant data
The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.
Air filter
Cabin (pollen) filter
Engine oil and oil filter
Brake fluid change
Coolant (antifreeze) change
Spark plugs, petrol
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.